Category Archives: Puerto Galera

My hubby fulfilled his promise to our kids when we left them for a three-day beach getaway at Puerto Galera in Oriental Mindoro last January. And what was his promise? That we will go back in this beautiful island with the whole family if he will enjoy his stay. Certainly, he did.

the beautiful Haligi Beach

White Beach in Puerto Galera almost resembled to the famous Boracay because of its creamy white sand, crystal blue waters and the maddening crowd especially during summer. But White Beach is a budget-friendly destination that’s why bringing the whole family will not tear a gaping hole in one’s pocket. Foods, hotels and even cost of transportation are affordable. And one good thing, travel time from Manila will only take almost three hours in getting there.

the gateway to Coral Garden

Our Trip

Aside from our kids, we enjoined my mother, Miko and Isha in our beach escapade in Puerta Galera. We boarded in Tritran Bus near Gil Puyat LRT Station around 6 a.m. Fare-P166.00. Travel time took us only 2 hours going to Batangas Pier. Boat fare for two-way ride-P450, environmental fee -P50. The weather was so cooperative and so we had a nice boat trip. But just like my previous trips, we were welcomed by surging waves when we were passing the rough part of the journey, the “channel”. I was worried because we never tell our mother that our water trip will take an hour. She had this fear traveling across the sea. But thank God the experience lasted for few minutes only.

on board at MV Penguin

We had a room reservation at HSL Beach Resort again. Ate Marie had welcomed us with her warm accommodation. Since we were all seven, previous room rate of P800 increased by P400. We paid P1,200 for one day and one night stay. It was so affordable to a budget traveler like us.

We ate our packed lunch in the dining area of the resort. The kids were so excited to swim. It was noon time and was flickering so we stayed in the room and took some rest.

At 4 pm, we started to explore the long stretch of creamy white sand.

White Beach was crowded by people enjoying various activities. There was the banana boat ride (P300) and kayak (P200). Pao and Isha were so excited to try the banana boat. But they were little so we did not allow them to ride on it. We refreshed ourselves in the clear water, later mingled with the crowd and frolicked in the shoreline throwing stones to the water.

nearing sunset

One of the best memories I had in White Beach is the sunset photo. While everyone was busy, I savor the moment watching the sun slowly setting down. It was a beautiful sight to behold. This was my third time to step to this island, but this was the moment I fully enjoyed watching the golden hues reflecting to the stillness of the water. It was getting dark when we headed back to our room and changed our wet clothes.

enjoying quality time while watching the sunset

We missed a table in Hiyas Restaurant for our dinner. It was full. Its comedy show had already started and the crowd had filled the beachfront laughing out loud watching the performers. We watched the show for about thirty minutes and had our dinner in Buena Lynn’s Restaurant. We had a heavy meal for P730 only. So affordable isn’t it?

A quite walk along the shore was our next activity. I haven’t heard any negative reactions from my buddies since the moment we arrived. Even our little Shen didn’t utter any complain. I’m quite sure, everyone was having a great time.

walk attack by afternoon at White Beach

We didn’t swim anymore. We enjoyed watching variety of shows from various bars and restaurants. It was a free entertainment, so it was not surprising that the beachfront was packed not only by customers but with spectators too. We went back to our room around 10 p.m. and surrender our bodies for a retreat in bed.

I was so excited for our island hopping the next day. Wishing everyone will enjoy again.

ISLAND HOPPING

After a fast breakfast at Buena Lynn ‘s resto, everyone was excited going back to the room to change our clothes to swim wear. We took the same boatmen Tonton and Deck for our island hopping which Ate Marie referred to us last month. But previous rate of P1,500 increased now to P2,000.

so excited for island hopping

CORAL GARDEN – The weather was fine. The water was so clear and so calm. Little Shen was left in the boat for she was scared to join us. She just smiled when we all plunged to the water. I’m sure few more years from now she can join us in this exciting activity.

I was so overwhelmed because my buddies were enjoying the experience under the water adventure. Colorful fishes swam near us when we fed them with bread. Angel fish of various colors were so delightful to see. I enjoyed more this time exploring the abundance of marine life on Coral Garden.

the boatman who toured us around at Coral Garden

Still not satisfied, we hired a small boat and it thrilled us more to see the beautiful corals and fish. Miko and I were on the opposite support while Pao and his daddy on the other side. Since Isha was still little, she just sat on the boat while we were exploring the Coral Garden. The experience was indeed incredible. No regret paying P100/head for that amazing ride.

HALIGI BEACH – We snorkel around the shallow part where water was so clear so we can guide our little kids. We had the place all by ourselves for few minutes. Later bathers flocked the island. We spent the moment basking from the sun.

Pao and Shen having a great time snorkeling at Haligi Beach

KABAYAN BEACH – It was almost noontime when we reached Kabayan Resort. The stifling atmosphere lowered our energy levels. So instead of wading on the water again, we took shelter from the trees and just enjoyed watching the crowd feasting on the clear blue water. Everyone now was starving so we headed back to HSL Beach Resort.

the crowded Kabayan Beach

We had our lunch in Basilico Restaurant, few walks away from the resort. We had a leisure time in front of the restaurant after eating. Doing nothing, just watching the people passed by and those kids shouting for fun while wading on the water. It was a passing time that I will surely miss if I’ll be working on my paper works again.

By 3 pm, my mother and I bought affordable t-shirts, ranging from P90 to P150 and souvenir items such as key chains-P35 and wooden fish for P180 on a nearby souvenir shop.

Exactly by 4 pm we were on board at MV Penguin. I was so thankful because our return water trip was so calm. Good for my mother, so she will not get scared and hoping she would go back in the future. While we were moving swiftly away from White Beach, I asked my buddies this,

“Did you enjoy?”

“Yes!” That was the answer in unison from Miko, Pao Isha and Shen. The gentle breeze coming from the sea hailed them to sleep and so with Mama dear. My hubby and I exchanged glances, both were smiling. It was a heavenly feeling knowing every one of them had a great time in this beautiful island.

Puerto Galera has its own charm in captivating one’s senses. And going back is worthy of doing so.

We had a comfortable sleep at HSL Beach Resort the other night. Thanks to the manager, Ate Marie for her gracious accommodation. We walked along the shoreline on Saturday morning. At 7 am, we ate our breakfast in a nearby tapsihan (back of Buena Lynn’s resto). Tapsilog for me with 3-in-1 coffee and longsilog for my hubby with water. He was avoiding coffee due to his heart burn. Our meal costs P140.

We hired Tonton’s outrigger boat (referred by Ate Marie) for our island hopping. I was thrilled when Tonton mentioned two new islands to explore, Corral Garden and Haligi Beach. Kabayan Beach is our last stop. Boar rental was P1,000 equipped with snorkel gears and life jacket. We bought packed lunch and bread for fish feeding before we head off to our exciting activity.

Coral Garden

Travel time from White Beach to Coral Garden was twenty minutes only. This was both our first time in this island. My hubby was so excited as he hastily plunged into the water. I was hesitant to jump because I was scared to see those underwater creatures. But later I joined my husband.

approaching Coral Garden

Visibility was very clear. It was so amazing that we were surrounded by beautiful angel fish, trumpet fish, starfish and lots of corals of different kinds to which some were big, some were small, and some were breathing. I was scared getting close to big corals for they looked like a gigantic monster ready to eat me! But later, I let go of my fear and I pushed myself to swim and swim to my heart’s content.

But not all were so delightful to deal with. There were long spine sea urchins. I suffered a terrible pain caused by its sting in Sogod Beach Resort in Albay. I am aware now not to get close to it.

so good to snorkel and see the underwater world creatures

We enjoyed feeding fishes. Marine life was so abundant and colorful. Coral Garden was amazing spot to snorkel. We really had a wonderful experience though current was a bit strong. After our adventure here, I realized, I have to fight my fear so I can enjoy more the beauty of the world under the sea.

HALIGI BEACH.

Again, it was our first time in this island. Although small, beach area was beautiful. The creamy white sand was not too fine but the water was crystal clear. We snorkel in different directions. I preferred to stay in shallow part. We stopped to eat our lunch. We gave packed lunch to Tonton and Deck. After eating, we snorkel again. I tried to wade farther but when I peeked under the water, those flat bed stones with holes made my spine shivered. Looked like there were hidden creatures inside those holes that will drag me if I get close. Here I go again with my fears.

Funny, I went back to the shore as fast as I could. In contrast to my husband, he really had a great time for he had gone so far far away. When he went back I joined him and we snorkel hand in hand.hahaha!

clear water of Haligi Beach

Beach stones were beautiful, I picked some while exploring in the shoreline.

KABAYAN BEACH. Crashed corals were scattered on the shore line. We were caught under the heat of the blistering sun so we stayed on the shaded part of the beach. I remember how I was saddened and some of my accounting team in our first visit here seeing dead corals under the water. That time we didn’t enjoy our snorkel and instead, we just strolled around in the long stretch.

Kabayan Beach has a long and wide stretch of creamy find sand

Kabayan had a long stretch of creamy white sand. We didn’t snorkel anymore. We lazed on the shoreline, picked beautiful beach stones, did picture-taking then we headed back to the White Beach.

We dipped ourselves into the clear water. Had fun for about thirty minutes and then we rinsed.

By 4 pm, we explored along the long stretch and then bought pasalubong items.

T-shirts (P90 to P110)

Bracelets (P35)

Souvenir items like wooden fish (P150)

Key chains (P35).

my souvenirs in my second visit to Puerto Galera

At night, we had our dinner at Breakfast Unlimited just beside Hiyas resto. Fried rice, sunny side up egg, bacon and hotdog, that’s our breakfast meal for our dinner. We didn’t feel like drinking beer so after we walked along the shoreline again.

Just like the other night, we enjoyed the moment sitting peacefully on the sand. What a beautiful night it was as the unimpeded horizon was filled with the glistening stars and the cool breeze was so comforting. So sad, time was so short for a wonderful vacation like this. And tomorrow is a good-bye.

It was windy and cold the following morning at 5 am. Sun rose up late that day. We walked around and later had our breakfast at Buena Lynn’s resto. We ordered fried rice, egg, pansit bihon, coffee and water. It was a light breakfast only. I was so lazy to pack up, I don’t want to end this stress-free day. But we have to move on now.

MV Blue Penguin was delayed for 10 minutes due to technical problem. We proceeded to Muelle and boarded at another boat. The sun was hovering in the sky giving us a smooth trip going back to Batangas Pier.

thank you so much Ton-ton and Deck for our delightful island hopping

My hubby enjoyed a lot and so do I. And since he did, we will go back here as what he had promised to our kids. Yes it’s a whole family activity next month, here at Puerto Galera…

My hubby was so eager to go to White Beach of Puerto Galera when he heard my story about our Accounting Team outing here and got even more excited when he saw our pictures. He promised our kids that if he will enjoy his stay surely, we will go back with the whole family.

awesome view of Puerto Galera

We took the 6 am Jam Liner bus ride at Buendia terminal (P166.50/head). We arrived at Batangas Pier at 8:05 am. We paid P450/head for the boat fare (MV Blue Penguin) v.v. and P50/head for environmental user’s fee. The sun was beaming when we left the port at 8:30. But it rained when we were half of the trip. It was again an anchor’s away ride as we were welcomed by those unfriendly waves! (but our roro trip in Cebu was more frightening than this). When we reached White Beach, sun was it’s highest mood again. Sudden change of climate, huh!

fronting the beach… from HSL Beach Resort

We had a room reservation at HSL beach resort (recommended by Lei, my hubby’s office mate). Walls and roof were made of native wood materials. It has private toilet, closet, tv and nice tiled floor.There were table and chairs in the balcony, good for savoring the sea breeze as well as viewing an obstructed view of the sea. Ate Marie, the manager of the resort gave us a discount. We paid P800 for the room instead of the daily regular rate of P1,200. Very affordable rate for a nice, cool resort to stay.

nice and affordable rooms of HSL Beach Resort

We ate our lunch at Basilico resto, a good spot to watch the sea and just a few distance away from HSL. We ate the usual Pinoy food like boiled pork (good for 3 persons), tortang talong (daddy’s fave), chicken kebab, sprite for my drink and Fruitas mango shake (P85) for my hubby. Our meal costs P285 only (excluding mango shake), so affordable but yummy.

Since it wasn’t peak season yet the resto was not crowded with people. We had a leisure time watching the dazzling seas that restlessly aspired people like us. It was too inviting to swim but it was so hot to dip in the water by twelve high noon. We stayed there for an hour watching foreigners having fun in the water and those people roaming everywhere. Then we went back to our room and took some rest for a “walk attack” by afternoon.

watching the dazzling sea by lunch time

At 3 pm, we walked around at the back of White Beach albeit the stifling atmosphere and headed to Parkway grocery store to buy snack. We went back to our room and ate our snack at the balcony.

By 4 pm we headed to Tamaraw Beach Resort which Lei recommended us to explore as this offers a diverse relaxation compared to the noisy crowd of White Beach. This was just beside White Beach and could be accessed through walking along rocks of various sizes and shapes. And when we got there we found out that Lei was telling the truth.

kulitan time

The resort had a quiet ambiance. There were only people walking on the shoreline. For those who wanted to escape from the noise of crowd, the seclusion of the resort guaranteed a rewarding stay. The calmness of the surrounding will summon you to stay longer.

quiet place of Tamaraw Beach Resort

Going back was now easy as we discovered the elevated concrete walkway. Before it gets dark, we proceeded to the right end portion of White Beach and waited there for the dramatic sunset.

enjoy the solitude atmosphere at Tamaraw Beach Resort

We ate our dinner at Hiyas resto. While savoring the fresh grilled fish we were entertained by funny gay performers. It’s like we were eating in a comedy bar in Manila only that they were not singing live. Even foreigners laughed out so loud.

After the show we walked in the shoreline. This is a wonderful evening for there’s no maddening crowd and no big noise yet on the beachfront. And it favored me much for I am not a party people. We savored the night time solitude sitting together in the sand. There were only few stars that night. Later a boy band started to sing ballad and new waves songs. The cool breeze and the songs were pretty much enough to enjoy the night.

beautiful sunset at Puerto Galera

It was a perfect quiet moment to contemplate on certain things. I was thankful that at least I rewarded myself (from stressful job haha!) a wonderful beach escapade with my husband. I realized, it’s not only the places that you go but the people you spend with that will make the trip worth remembering.